Boat hull construction

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a boat hull which includes two widely spaced lateral hull sections which are connected together in the forward and midship portions thereof by a bridging section which is normally disposed well out of the water when the boat is moving forward. The bridging section is a portion of a central hull with the aft part of this central hull being in the form of an inner hull section of a cross section similar to adjacent portions of the lateral hulls and capable of both accommodating an engine and to produce lift to the aft portion of the boat. Each of the three hull sections is provided with a ski-type bottom to effect lift and to permit the hull to ride substantially on the surface of the water, thus reducing the resistance of the hull as it moves along.

United States Patent [72] lnventor David W. Bossler 820 North Montana Ave., Helena, Mont. 59601 [2!] Appl. No. 38,681 [22] Filed May 19, 1970 [45] Patented Oct. 12, 1971 [54] BOAT HULL CONSTRUCTION 15 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs. [52] (1.8. CI 114/61 [51] Int. Cl..... 1163b 1/10 [50] Field of Search 114/61, 67 A, 66.5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,712,758 5/1929 Durand 1l4/66.5

2,052,991 9/1936 Stack Primary Examiner-Andrew l-l. Farrell Attorney-Baldwin, Wight & Brown ABSTRACT: This disclosure relates to a boat hull which includes two widely spaced lateral hull sections which are connected together in the forward and midship portions thereof by a bridging section which is normally disposed well out of the water when the boat is moving forward. The bridging section is a portion of a central hull with the aft part of this central hull being in the form of an inner hull section of a cross section similar to adjacent portions of the lateral hulls and capable of both accommodating an engine and to produce lift to the aft portion of the boat. Each of the three hull sections is provided with a ski-type bottom to effect lift and to permit the hull to ride substantially on the surface of the water, thus reducing the resistance of the hull as it moves along.

PATENTED um 1 215m SHEET 2 OF 3 1L 1 a 1 Q Q O mvENToR DPMD U). BOSSLER ODE d I I I I I I I ll ATTO RN EYS BOAT HULL CONSTRUCTION This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in boat hull construction, and more particularly to a multihull boat It is well known to construct boat hulls with two widely spaced lateral hull sections connected together by a bridging section which is normally disposed above the water. It is also well known to provide boat hulls having three hull sections, Each of these types of boat hulls has its advantages and disadvantages.

In accordance with this invention, it is proposed to provide a boat hull which has the limited resistance of a hull having twin hull sections while at the same time permitting the central hull section to function both to produce lift and propulsion In accordance with this invention, the central hull section has the forward and midship portions thereof in the form of a bridging section which connects together the two outer hull sections in the normal manner. However, the central hull section has an aft, portion which is deeper than the bridging section and which conforms in cross section generally to the cross section of adjacent portions of the outer hull sections with this aft portion of the central hull section being efi'ective to produce lift which will enable the hull, when travelling at high speed, to lift substantially out of the water and to ride generally on the surface thereof, the aft central hull section also providing suitable space for a third propulsion unit.

A further and primary feature of this invention is the provision of each of the hull sections with ski type bottoms. The ski type bottoms include a flat downwardly projecting central portion of each hull section with the flat bottom portion having depending therefrom a generally V-shaped cross-sectional rib which functions as a stabilizer rib. The ski type bottoms of the hull sections markedly reduce the amount of hull surface in contact with the water, thereby reducing the resistance of the hull.

A further feature of the boat hull construction of this invention is that the outer hull sections may be utilized as occupiable space with the bridging section of the central hull being utilizable as storage space for fuel and gear, and there being a main deck overlying all of the hull sections. This provides for an efficient utilization of space. In addition, if the hull is to be utilized for fishing, the main deck may be provided with an aft fishing well which is centrally located at the stern of the hull.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood. by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the boat hull construction which is the subject of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the boat hull of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the boat hull of FIG. 1 with portions thereof broken away and shown in section in order to illustrate the internal construction and layout of the hull.

FIG. 4 is a fore and aft vertical sectional view taken at midship of the hull.

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken through the aft portion of the hull.

FIG. 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken through the midsection of the hull.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated a boat hull which is constructed in accordance with this invention, the boat hull being generally identified by the numeral 10. The boat hull 10 is primarily of a triple hull construction and includes a pair of outer hull sections, which are generally identified by the numerals 11 and I2 and a centrally located inner hull section which is generally identified by the numeral 13.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, it will be seen that the central hull section 13 has the forward and midship portion thereof in the form of a bridging section 14. The bridging section 14 is generally rectangular in cross section, as is best shown in FIG. 6, and is constructed as a beam unit rigidly connecting together the outer hull sections 11 and 12.

The bridging section 14 has a bottom 15 which is normally disposed well out of the water when theboat is underway and normally offers no resistance whatsoever to the movement of the hull 10 through the water although it'may be under water when the boat is not moving or is moving at a slow rate. The bottom 15 of the bridging section 14 is joined to the outer hull sections ll, 12 by smoothly curved transition bottom portions 16.

The central hull section 13 includes an aft section 17 which projects well below the bridging section 14 and which corresponds in cross section to transversely adjacent portions of the outer hull sections ll, 12 as is best shown in FIG. 5. In the area of the aft central hull section 17, the transition bottom portion 16 is provided with an extension 18 joined to the hull section 17 and combing therewith to define a reversely curved bottom surface between the three hull sections 1 1, l2 and 17.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, in particular, it will be seen that the hull sections 11 and 12 are provided with the usual V bows 20. The aft hull section 17 is provided with a similarly configurated V bow 21. The configurations of the bows 20, 21 provide for ease of movement of the hull sections through the water.

Although the bridging section 14 normally will not come into contact with the water, but will be spaced well above the surface of the water, in order to provide for operations in heavy water, the bridging section I4 is also provided with a 1 generally V bow 22, as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. It is to be noted that the V how 22 is aligned with the bow 21, but is spaced above and well forward thereof.

It is to be noted from FIGS. 3 and 6 that each of the hull sections 11 and 12 may be utilized as occupiable spaces and may be suitable divided in any desired manner into compartments, etc. However, the aft portion of each of the hull sections II and 12 is in the form of an engine room, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each engine room being identified by the numeral 23. In addition, as is shown in FIGS. 4 and S, the aft central hull section 17 also defines an engine room 24. The engine rooms 23 and 24 will have mounted therein suitable propulsion units 25 and normally the propulsion units 25 will be of the type including a stern drive shaft 26 carrying a propeller 27, as is shown in FIG. 4, although the propulsion units 25 may be of any desired type.

The boat hull 10 also includes a main deck 30 which overlies all of the hull sections. Access from the main deck into the occupiable portions of the hull sections 1 l and 12 is gained by way of suitable ladders or stairways 31, as is shown in FIG. 6. Although the main deck 30 may extend uninterrupted, when the boat hull 10 is to be utilized for fishing purposes, a fishing well 32 (FIG. 4) may be recessed in the stern portion thereof overlying the engine compartment 24.

The forward portion of the main deck 30 is enclosed by a prow 35, and the remainder of the main deck 30 is provided with a suitable peripheral railing 36. A major portion of the main deck 30 is enclosed by means of a suitable enclosure 37 which includes a combination overhead and upper deck 38 which is supported by arched struts 40 (FIG. 6) which form portions of the railing 36. The combined overhead and upper deck 38 is also supported by a peripheral bulkhead arrangement 41 which may include a large number of transparent panels 42 to provide for good visibility from within the enclosed portion of the main deck 30.

The enclosed portion of the main deck 30 may be divided and equipped in any manner desired. However, it is preferred that the forward portion thereof immediately adjacent the prow be provided with operating controls 43 (FIG. 4). Inasmuch as the main deck 30 will be disposed well above the water, an operator seated at the operating controls 43 will have good visibility and the prow 35 will shield a windshield portion 44 of the enclosure 37 from most wave action.

If desired, the upper deck 38 may be useable and may be enclosed by means of a suitable railing 47. When the hull is of a large size, the upper deck 38 may also be used to support suitable life boats or rafts.

It is also proposed that the upper deck 47 may carry a flying cockpit 48 which is defined by a suitable enclosure 50. The flying cockpit 48 would be provided with secondary operating controls 51 and may be selectively enclosed by means of a convertible top 52.

A further and important feature of the construction of the boat hull 10 is the formation of the hull sections 11, 12 and 17 with ski type bottoms 60. Each ski type bottom 60 includes a centrally located, downwardly projecting flat bottom portion 61 which is narrow as compared to the width of the hull section. At the center of each flat bottom portion 61 there is a downwardly projecting, generally V shaped cross sectional rib Conventional boats go through the water and are thus limited in speed by the water resistance to the hull, wave making pattern, etc. In accordance with this invention, the boat hull 10 will have sufficient propulsion power and sufficient lift in the hull sections 11, 12 and 17 to effect the movement of the hull over the water in a skiing fashion with a marked reduction in the amount of hull surface in contact with the water and a resultant reduction in the resistance to movement of the craft.

Although only a single preferred embodiment of the hull construction has been specifically illustrated and described, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made in the hull configuration and the hull may be adapted to all sizes of boats without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

lclaim:

l. A boat hull construction comprising outer hull sections and an inner hull section, said outer hull sections extending generally the full length of said hull with forward portions of said outer hull sections being connected together by a bridging section, and said inner hull section being a continuation of said bridging section and extending only along an aft portion of said hull.

2. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section is normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections.

3. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said inner hull section has a bow portion of a configuration similar to bow portions of said outer hull sections.

4. THe boat hull of claim 1 wherein said inner hull sections has a bow portion of a configuration similar to bow portions of said outer hull sections, and said inner hull section bow portion being disposed aft of the midsection of said hull.

5. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein transversely adjacent portions of said hull sections are of similar cross sections.

6. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein transversely adjacent portions of said hull sections are of similar cross sections, and said inner hull section is joined to said outer hull sections by hull portions having inverted curved bottom surfaces.

7. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein the aft portion of each hull section defines an engine compartment having propulsion units disposed in at least said outer hull section engine compartments, and each propulsion unit being of the stern drive type.

8. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section is normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections, and said bridging section having a water deflecting bow facilitating navigating in rough waters.

9. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section is normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections, said outer hull sections primarily defining occupiable spaces, and said bridging portion defining storage spaces. j j

10. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section 15 normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections, and a main deck overlying said hull sections and said bridging section and extending generally the full breath and length of said hull.

11. The boat hull of claim 10 wherein there is a fishing well in said main deck overlying an aft portion of said inner hull section.

12. The boat hull of claim 10 wherein said main deck includes a forward prow, and operating controls for said boat mounted on said main deck immediately adjacent said prow.

13. The boat hull of claim 12 wherein said main deck is covered by an enclosure, and further operating controls are mounted on top of said enclosure.

14. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein each hull section has a ski bottom.

15. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein each hull section has a ski bottom including a flat projecting bottom portion and a control generally V-shaped depending rib. 

1. A boat hull construction comprising outer hull sections and an inner hull section, said outer hull sections extending generally the full length of said hull with forward portions of said outer hull sections being connected together by a bridging section, and said inner hull section being a continuation of said bridging section and extending only along an aft portion of said hull.
 2. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section is normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections.
 3. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said inner hull section has a bow portion of a configuration similar to bow portions of said outer hull sections.
 4. THe boat hull of claim 1 wherein said inner hull sections has a bow portion of A configuration similar to bow portions of said outer hull sections, and said inner hull section bow portion being disposed aft of the midsection of said hull.
 5. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein transversely adjacent portions of said hull sections are of similar cross sections.
 6. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein transversely adjacent portions of said hull sections are of similar cross sections, and said inner hull section is joined to said outer hull sections by hull portions having inverted curved bottom surfaces.
 7. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein the aft portion of each hull section defines an engine compartment having propulsion units disposed in at least said outer hull section engine compartments, and each propulsion unit being of the stern drive type.
 8. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section is normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections, and said bridging section having a water deflecting bow facilitating navigating in rough waters.
 9. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section is normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections, said outer hull sections primarily defining occupiable spaces, and said bridging portion defining storage spaces.
 10. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein said bridging section is normally disposed above the waterline of said hull wherein the forward portion of said hull is normally supported only by said outer hull sections, and a main deck overlying said hull sections and said bridging section and extending generally the full breath and length of said hull.
 11. The boat hull of claim 10 wherein there is a fishing well in said main deck overlying an aft portion of said inner hull section.
 12. The boat hull of claim 10 wherein said main deck includes a forward prow, and operating controls for said boat mounted on said main deck immediately adjacent said prow.
 13. The boat hull of claim 12 wherein said main deck is covered by an enclosure, and further operating controls are mounted on top of said enclosure.
 14. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein each hull section has a ski bottom.
 15. The boat hull of claim 1 wherein each hull section has a ski bottom including a flat projecting bottom portion and a control generally V-shaped depending rib. 